Swisslog and Adept Technology Announce Hospital-Robot Pact

Swisslog, a leading provider of automated materials transport and medication management solutions for hospitals, and Adept Technology, Inc., a leading provider of intelligent vision-guided robots, announced that they have entered into a distribution and licensing agreement to offer autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to hospitals throughout North America.

As part of the agreement, executed on July 21, 2011, Swisslog has agreed to license Adept proprietary AMR technology. In return, Swisslog becomes the exclusive sales and support organization for the next-generation AMRs, which will be based on Adept’s intelligent mobile robotic platform, known as MT400. Swisslog’s exclusivity extends to intra-laboratory and interdepartmental transportation of laboratory samples, pharmaceuticals, specimens, blood samples, linens, and other miscellaneous supplies weighing less than 100 pounds per payload.

“With rapidly changing demographics increasing the strain on today’s healthcare system, clinicians and other trained professionals are actively seeking ways to reduce monotonous duties such as ferrying items from one location to another,” said John Dulchinos, president and CEO of Adept Technology. “Swisslog has decades of experience delivering innovative solutions that help healthcare facilities move materials efficiently and safely.”

“By coupling their [Adept’s] technological expertise with our extensive sales, installation and support capabilities, this partnership will deliver to hospitals new and improved AMRs that will enhance productivity, improve patient care and bolster their bottom-line,” said Charlie Kegley, president of Swisslog Healthcare Solutions North America.

Swisslog has installed automated materials transport and medication management systems in more than 3,000 hospitals around the world, including more than 2,000 in North America. the company noted. The North American division of Swisslog Healthcare Solutions is based in Denver, Colo.